By Mercy Gadia
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested no fewer than 50 suspects linked to kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, and other violent crimes across the country.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team headquarters in Guzape, Abuja, on Monday.
Placid said the arrests followed coordinated operations by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team between January and April 2026.
He noted that the operations led to the recovery of 17 rifles of different models, 111 rounds of live ammunition, magazines, cartridges, vehicles, communication devices, and other exhibits.
He said, “Today’s briefing highlights some of the notable achievements recorded by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team in the fight against criminality across the country.”
Among the cases highlighted was the arrest of one Musa Jibrin for alleged criminal conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearms, with an FNC rifle and an empty magazine recovered from him.
In another operation, four suspects were arrested in Benue State for allegedly mounting fake police checkpoints to rob unsuspecting members of the public. Items recovered from them included locally fabricated firearms, live cartridges, and a Police Mobile Force uniform used as a decoy.
The police also arrested four suspects along the Dei-Dei/Kubwa Expressway in the Federal Capital Territory for alleged involvement in abduction, “one chance” extortion, and robbery.
According to Placid, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were involved in multiple cases of abduction, ‘one chance’ extortion, robbery, and attempted murder within and around the FCT.”
In Taraba State, three suspects were apprehended over the killing of three policemen in Donga Local Government Area.
The police spokesperson said the suspects were linked to the March 18, 2026 attack on officers attached to the Donga Divisional Police Headquarters.
Placid added that 33 other suspects were arrested in connection with terrorism, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and arms dealing across Kwara and Kogi states.
He said the suspects were linked to the November 20, 2025 attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.
Items recovered from the group included seven AK-47 rifles, magazines, 32 rounds of live ammunition, five walkie-talkies, and an anti-aircraft launcher.
In a separate operation, a 25-year-old suspect was arrested in Benue State with an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and ammunition.
Another suspect was apprehended in Abuja for alleged car burglary, with a fabricated master key recovered from him.
Placid said efforts were ongoing to arrest fleeing members of the various syndicates and recover more weapons.
He added, “The Force will continue to strengthen its investigative capabilities and collaborate with other law enforcement partners. We remain steadfast in our mission to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of every citizen.”